2025 Marvellous Mentor Awardees
True mentorship is defined by a mentor’s outstanding dedication to supporting, inspiring and cultivating the growth of their mentees. At the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, the Graduate Student Association has for the last two years run the Marvellous Mentor Award, to recognise those mentors that display the true spirit of the Dunn School. This year’s winners were announced at the 2026 Dunn School Postdoc Symposium:
Dr Adele Alagia, postdoc in Monika Gullerova’s lab
Adele’s is motivated to always “go above and beyond” in the Gullerova lab. As the main source of advice, “even when it’s inconvenient”, her lab colleagues describe how her drive to empower and encourage scientific growth extends far beyond any official role. She is a source of kindness and is generous with her time, ideas and challenges. Her unofficial role as a lab manager and support figure makes Adele an outstanding mentor.
Dr Alex Carver, postdoc in Anthony Roberts’s lab
“Always going the extra yard to check” on students, Alex embodies an excellent mentor. He has taken it upon himself to supervise younger members, build student confidence and foster a sense of community in the Roberts lab. Alex’s friendly demeanour complements his generous efforts to answer questions and support both new joiners and established members. One student said Alex made them feel at home in the lab.
Dr Laura de Nies, postdoc in Mathew Stracy’s lab
Laura is an “intelligent, diligent, inspiring, and deeply conscientious” mentor who has provided motivation, comfort and scientific advice whenever needed to members of the Stracy lab. She welcomes everyone with a bright smile in the morning. Characterised by her “witty, empathetic and resilient” approach to difficulties, Laura embodies a mentor who guides her supervisees’ growth and independence beyond expectations.
We would like to thank all those that nominated mentors for this award, and for everyone who plays a mentorship role to those in the department and beyond.
Written by Sofia Bustamante Eguiguren (Dushek and van der Merwe labs), Co-President of the Dunn School Graduate Student Association
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